A refugee Sudanese family land in New York as an administration hostile to immigrats takes over, and the Refugee Center overseeing their resettlement is faced with a battle for its own survival
Reviews and Festivals
"Anyone surprised that refugees helped resuscitate a long-declining institution should add Utica: The Last Refuge to their post-Oscars watch list... Utica: The Last Refuge serves as a potent reminder that the shining accomplishments of stars like [Hong] Chau and [Ke Huy] Quan belong to a much larger constellation of impressive accomplishments from refugees."
— Times Union
"Highlights the work of agencies that help in resettlement, and the positive impact on Utica's economy."
— UN Association of Rochester
"Demonstrates Utica's resilience and commitment to these vulnerable families, who are, in turn, essential to the city's rebirth."
— Portland Film Festival
"An inspiring and urgent documentary that shows how refugees revitalized a dying industrial city."
— David Ansen, Lead Programmer, Palm Springs Film Festival
"Gives such a kind of a vivid portrait of the ways in which a neighborhood can really resuscitate itself... I found this to be an honest and hopeful film. It takes the viewer into the heart of one of the most pressing and significant debates of our time: how, why, and for whom are our communities changing, and what do we owe one another through that process?"
— Pablo Bose, Associate Professor in Department of Geography, University of Vermont
"This documentary humanely illustrates the magic of resettlement that happens in local communities across America on a daily basis. It's important for every person in this country to see how resettlement works, and how it changes everyone involved for the better."
— Trinh Truong, Research Assistant, Center for American Progress
"If you feel like watching a film that leaves you with an increased faith in humanity, Utica: The Last Refuge is it!"
— Camilla Nielsson, Director of the films "Democrats" and "President"
"Everything in this film — the slices of everyday life, the intimacy — details a people and a community who found each other and together gained salvation. I am proud to say it is my community, and I have never before seen it captured so perfectly."
— John Zogby, native Utican
"FANTASTIC! Everything about the movie, especially the story, is great... I hope to see the film reaching national and international audiences."
— Getachew Beshir, Catholic Charities Family and Community Services in Rochester
OFFICIAL SELECTION
Palm Springs International Film Festival